National Geographic reported in 2022 that there were 1,043 complete statues on Easter Island. The moai are carved out of volcanic stone. Most face inland, except for seven that face the ocean.

Last year, in experiments funded by National Geographic’s Expeditions ... The ancient statues known as moai are everyday sights on Easter Island, or Rapa Nui—native dancers in body paint ...

There is no place in the world like Easter Island ... once again become divine," National Geographic said. Their spirits were said to temporarily live inside the statues, and the statues remain ...